Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2025
10:57
Determining Soil-transmitted Helminth Infection Status and Physical Fitness of School-aged Children
Published on: August 22, 2012
23.5K
In-classroom physical activity breaks program among school children in Sri Lanka: study protocol for a randomized
D L I H K Peiris1, Yanping Duan1, Corneel Vandelanotte2
1Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Frontiers in Public Health
|May 7, 2024
Summary
This study evaluates an in-classroom physical activity breaks (IcPAB) intervention to combat sedentary behavior in Sri Lankan primary students. The program aims to improve academic achievement and health outcomes by integrating movement into the school day.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Educational Psychology
Background:
- Rising sedentary behavior in primary school children globally, including Sri Lanka, poses significant health and academic challenges.
- Classroom-based physical activity interventions are crucial for enhancing student movement, academic performance, and overall health.
- Existing educational demands often lead to increased sedentary behavior during school hours.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an in-classroom physical activity breaks (IcPAB) intervention for fifth graders in Sri Lanka.
- To assess the impact of IcPAB on academic achievement (mathematics and reading), movement behaviors, and health outcomes.
- To provide a scalable model for integrating physical activity into the school curriculum.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving approximately 198 fifth graders from two schools in Sri Lanka.
- Intervention group received 5-minute physical activity breaks thrice daily, guided by the COM-B model.
- Data collected via pre-test and post-test assessments measuring academic performance, physical activity levels, BMI, fitness, and stress.
Main Results:
- The study is designed to determine if IcPAB improves mathematics and reading achievement, crucial for Sri Lankan national examinations.
- Expected outcomes include enhanced physical activity levels, reduced sedentary time, and improved physical and mental health indicators.
- Intervention fidelity and process evaluation will provide insights into the program's implementation.
Conclusions:
- The IcPAB intervention offers a promising strategy to mitigate sedentary behavior in primary schools.
- Successful implementation can lead to significant academic and health benefits for students in Sri Lanka.
- This approach can inform and enrich school-based physical activity programs nationwide.
